Census: 2025 Metro and County Growth Halved as Immigration Crackdown Slashes International Migration
New Census data show U.S. population growth slowed to 0.5% in 2024–25—about half the prior period's 1.0%—as international migration plunged from roughly 2.8 million to 1.3 million (a ~55% drop), with nine out of ten counties seeing declines or flat flows while natural change held roughly steady. The shift left Los Angeles County losing nearly 54,000 residents (−0.6%) while remaining the nation’s largest at about 9.7 million, even as smaller metros like Ocala, FL (+3.4%), Myrtle Beach, SC (+3.2%) and Spartanburg, SC (+2.8%) saw the fastest growth.
📌 Key Facts
- The overall U.S. population grew 0.5% from 2024–25, down from 1.0% in the prior period; nationwide natural change (births minus deaths) remained roughly steady.
- International migration, as defined by the Census (including foreign nationals and returning Americans such as military personnel), fell from about 2.8 million to about 1.3 million — roughly a 55% decline.
- International migration fell in nine out of ten U.S. counties between 2024 and 2025; the remaining counties were essentially flat.
- Los Angeles County lost nearly 54,000 residents (−0.6%) between 2024 and 2025 but remained the nation’s largest county at about 9.7 million people.
- The fastest‑growing metropolitan areas in 2024–25 were Ocala, Florida (+3.4%), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (+3.2%), and Spartanburg, South Carolina (+2.8%).
📊 Relevant Data
The decline in U.S. international migration from 2024 to 2025 was primarily driven by aggressive anti-immigration policies under President Trump, including increased deportations and enforcement actions, leading to a more than 50% drop in net immigration.
U.S. Population Growth Slows Sharply as Immigration Numbers Plunge — The New York Times
In 2023, the foreign-born population in the U.S. was approximately 50.2 million, representing 14.8% of the total population, with the majority originating from Latin America (about 45%) and Asia (about 30%), and recent immigrants in the 2020s showing similar regional patterns.
Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States — Migration Policy Institute
Reducing immigration in the U.S. during the 2020s has been projected to lower potential GDP growth by about 5 basis points below pre-pandemic levels due to slower labor force expansion, particularly in sectors reliant on immigrant workers.
How will declining immigration impact the US economy? — Goldman Sachs
Ocala, Florida, one of the fastest-growing metros, had a population of 66,600 in 2024, with White residents comprising 56.5%, Hispanic 17.8%, and Black 17.6%, and foreign-born residents at 11.3%, reflecting growth driven partly by domestic migration amid overall national immigration declines.
Ocala, FL | Data USA — Data USA
In 2024, the U.S. fertility rate was approximately 50 births per 1,000 women for both White and Black women, with Hispanic women at a slightly higher rate, contributing to steady natural population change amid declining immigration.
Birth rate in the U.S. 2024, by race and ethnicity — Statista
Los Angeles County's population loss of nearly 54,000 from 2024 to 2025 was driven by higher domestic outmigration, influenced by factors like wildfires and high living costs, compounded by reduced international immigration inflows.
New Data Show Population Drops in LA County, OC in Fiscal Year 2025 — Westside Current
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Axios highlights that international migration fell in nine out of ten U.S. counties between 2024 and 2025; remaining counties were essentially flat.
- The overall U.S. population grew 0.5% from 2024–25, down from 1.0% over the prior period, with nationwide natural change (births minus deaths) holding roughly steady.
- International migration, as defined by the Census (which includes both foreign nationals and returning Americans such as military personnel), dropped from about 2.8 million people to 1.3 million – roughly a 55% decline.
- Los Angeles County is used as a concrete example of the impact, losing nearly 54,000 residents (–0.6%) between 2024 and 2025 while remaining the nation’s largest county at about 9.7 million people.
- The article reiterates that the fastest‑growing metros in the 2024–25 period were Ocala, Florida (+3.4%), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (+3.2%), and Spartanburg, South Carolina (+2.8%).